Transplanted Reflections: The Tet Offensive and Thanking Our Veterans

The Tet Offensive, named after the Vietnamese lunar new year, was considered one of the largest military offensives, if not the largest, during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam “police action” (remember that term?!).

Jan. 30 marks its 50th anniversary, another military event that should remind us to thank our veterans for the life we enjoy in this country because over 58,000 Americans did not survive the “communist containment” action.

Chris and I, along with our three Yorkies, had driven to the registration office of the RV park where we were to stay for the night. The owner noticed my haste upon arrival at the counter and I explained that my wife and dogs were eager to roam free of the truck confines due to the many hours it took to arrive. He thanked me for my efficiency because some guests dawdle in the entrance drive and this can lead to a backup to the highway entrance which could prove unsafe. This sometimes annoyed him.

One evening a camper van parked in front of the office and the proprietor waited patiently for the vacationer to arrive at the front counter. The owner was getting upset with the lingering van and was about to go outside to tell the RVer to move his rig when he heard the door open and a slow shuffling sound; he waited a few moments more. The vacationer rounded the wall that prevented the owner's vision from witnessing the ordeal the man was enduring to attain forward motion.

The owner gasped inwardly and was immediately ashamed of his judgmental thoughts. The man ambled forward toward the check-in counter with a labored swaying on his two lower prostheses aided by two canes. As he shuffled the final 20-feet, the owner noticed the U.S. Air Force insignia on his jacket. The owner now looked more closely out his window and noticed the Air Force and campaign decals on the rear window of the van indicating the war in which he had fought.

The veteran was assured that a space was available near the restrooms. He took off his hat and dark glasses and the owner noted the left eye patch and privately thought of the sacrifice this man must have made in defense of his country's ideals and responsibilities. To finish the registration process, the veteran had to sign his name. He took off his gloves and explained that he was still learning how to use his new hands which were flesh colored prostheses.

The park owner was now truly stunned, embarrassed, and ashamed for his initial impatience and signed the registration for him. The veteran put his gloves, hat, and dark glasses on as the owner asked if he needed any help. The man said he was fine,

After a moment's hesitation, the park owner had to ask, “Air Force veteran?” “Yes,” was the reply. “Combat?” Again, a reply in the affirmative.

Many of us know the statistics and most of us remember the shameful treatment of our returning Vietnam warriors. The dismembered veteran at the RV park had indicated that he had lived through the aforementioned offensive and had “... spent 6 years in harm's way and was able to come home for a leave.”

He was also told to not wear his uniform due to an antagonistic American public and he dutifully followed his orders. He continued, “While I was driving home, so thankful to have survived the horrid conditions of war, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver and spent the next 2 years in the hospital. I was thankful.”

We often forget to thank all who serve to keep Americans safe from not only external, but from our internal conflicts as well.